The Best Mattress In-A-Box You Can BUY ONline

Using data from 11,866 customer reviews and in-depth analyses by industry experts, we compared four of the best online mattress brands available online today—Tuft and Needle, Leesa, Purple, and Casper. In this review, we cover the benefits and critiques of each brand as we analyze each detail side-by-side. You’ll see stats on customer satisfaction, price, firmness, durability, material, and more. Read on for the comprehensive review and in-depth comparison.

How we Picked

Our guide to buying a mattress online

To bring you the most extensive comparison of each foam mattress, we poured over data gathered by thousands of unbiased customer reviews and online mattress review experts, such as Sleepopolis and Sleep Like The Dead (see reference).

We discovered the incredible popularity of four mattress brands that offer a single model, free shipping, a 100-day trial period, and a queen-size for $1,000 or less. Using these reviews, we gathered what qualities matter most to online mattress buyers. Then, we compiled this research into the easy-to-follow graphs, tables, and images below.

What we looked for

After narrowing down our pool to Purple, Tuft and Needle, Casper, and Leesa mattresses, we first looked at mattress quality factors, such as materials, thickness, weight, and durability. By diving further into extensive reviews and data, we then compared sleep positions, firmness, pricing, and overall customer ratings.

While researching the pros and cons of each mattress, we found that there is no one perfect mattress to meet every sleeper’s needs. Some people found one mattress to be “too firm,” while others were amazed that it was “not too firm, not too soft.” Finding the perfect foam mattress really comes down to your preferences. We recommend using your past mattresses to determine if you lean towards soft or firm beds, and to consider your most common sleeping positions.

Once you have an idea of your ideal position and firmness level, it’s easier to use our comparisons to pick the best mattress for you. For this review, our top four picks happen to be high-quality foam mattresses. However, we cover the slight differences in cushion and materials across all options. These distinctions are mainly in the comfort level material used, from foam and polymer grid to memory foam. When choosing a foam mattress, keep in mind this comfort material largely affects the firmness feel.

Another aspect we studied is the weight of each mattress. Since shipping and packaging is similar for all four mattress companies, we looked at how easy each is to move, lift, and turn. This is a small detail when your mattress is nicely packaged, but quickly becomes a bigger burden when rotating your mattress every three months. It’s important to consider your situation and whether you have a partner or roommate to help lift the mattress.

Speaking of long-term commitments, we also focused on durability and whether the mattresses will stand up to years of comfortable sleep. While online mattress shopping is becoming increasingly popular (for all the right reasons), many of these companies lack long-term studies on mattress longevity. However, Purple, Leesa, Tuft and Needle, and Casper all offer 10 year warranties and free 100 night trials.

With the basics covered, we spent a week researching and learning how customers truly feel about these four foam mattresses. We read reviews by back, side, and stomach sleepers—and people who constantly change positions during the night. Next, we analyzed in-depth reviews by unbiased product testers who had the chance to sleep on all four mattresses (in addition to 20 others) for an extended period of time. Whether you’re going back and forth between Leesa vs. Tuft and Needle, Casper vs. Purple, or any combination of the four, we discovered the favorite picks for each common sleeping position.

Equally important to a sleeping preference, we gathered the prices and overall customer ratings for each size mattress. From Twin XL to King, our data highlights the features and helps you make an informed decision to get the best value for your money. Then, using 11,866 customer reviews, we calculated the average ratings and gauged customer satisfaction. Below, you’ll find our data breakdowns and what it means for you as an online mattress shopper.

Popular Comparisons

A closer look

Key comparisons

What is each mattress made from?

Tuft & Needle

One of the first online mattress companies to the scene, Tuft and Needle has reworked their mattress materials since initial launch in 2012. Currently, the company offers one mattress model, with a proprietary poly foam on top and a high-density foam support base.

The mattress cover is a 100% white polyester-nylon blend. Although the cover is thin relative to traditional padded mattress, this is part of Tuft and Needle’s design to improve cooling and allow for more direct contact to the foam.

Leesa

Known as a mattress “to help people sleep better,” the Leesa mattress is comprised of three unique layers of foam. The top is a synthetic foam that aims to keep you cool and provide adequate air flow. In the middle of the mattress lies pressure-relieving memory foam. Finally, there is a layer of dense support foam that adds durability and structure.

Figure 1.1: Diagram showing foam layers of the Leesa mattress.

Covering all three layers is soft single piece of polyester-lycra fabric, popular among customers for its breathability, stretch, and strength.

Purple

With a top layer of grid-like polymer, the Purple mattress combines science with sleep. Founded by two engineer brothers, Purple aims to improve comfort with a combination of hyper-elastic polymer, poly foam, and support foam. The top of the mattress is a signature purple hyper-elastic polymer, followed by poly foam, and support foam. The reason behind the grid-like polymer top? To relieve pain by supporting or flexing, depending on the amount of pressure.

Figure 1.2: Diagram showing foam layers of the Purple mattress.

Encasing these layers is a cover made from polyester, viscose, and polyester-lycra blend. While it sticks to a traditional all-white color scheme, the diamond design adds eye appeal and the fabric is a good pair for the hyper-elastic polymer.

Casper

Aiming to be a mattress “so comfortable, you’ll forget it’s there,” Casper has the most layers of all four mattresses reviewed. Starting with a synthetic latex foam top, it aims to keep sleepers cool and add bounce. Second is a memory foam layer to relieve pressure and contour to your body. Following that layer is a proprietary foam that adds support and absorbs weight. Finally, the last layer is a dense support foam to increase durability and distribute weight.

Figure 1.3: Diagram showing layers of the Casper mattress.

Covering all four layers is a standard single piece of 100% polyester that is soft, thin, and fairly stretchy. The cover’s dark side panels are made of 51% polyester and 49% polypropylene.

How thick is each mattress?

When comparing Leesa vs. Casper vs. Tuft & Needle vs. Purple, we found the thickness of each mattress to be similar in size (not considering sinkage). The Leesa, Tuft and Needle, and Casper mattresses all share the same level of thickness. Measuring in at a slightly smaller thickness is the Purple mattress. While comparing thickness, we found it essential to consider the amount of memory and support foam that makes up each mattress. The more memory foam, the softer the mattress feels. Conversely, support foam tends to provide a firmer feel.

Thickness (in.)

How much does each weigh?

To mimic the average online foam mattress buyer, we chose to compare the weight of a queen size mattress across all four companies. Surprisingly, there is a fairly large gap between the lightest and heaviest mattress. The lightest and easiest to turn was Leesa, followed closely by Tuft and Needle, and then Casper. The heaviest mattress by far was Purple. Conveniently, all four companies compress and ship their foam mattresses in reasonably-sized boxes so you can carry and maneuver them into your bedroom.

Weight of Queen (LB)

Will they stand the test of time?

Based on 22,439 customer reviews from the industry expert Sleep Like The Dead (see reference), the durability ratings below show how likely the mattresses are to hold up and retain their value. Since all four companies are under five years old, it’s difficult to determine how long each mattress will truly last—especially since many of the original models have been updated. Instead, the mattresses and materials have been tested extensively and predictions have been formed. The durability ratings below are based on current customer reviews, industry expert insights, and material use predictions.

Durability (1-7)

What type of sleeping position is each mattress suitable for?

Tuft and Needle

Back sleepers using this mattress say it is good for an average-sized or larger-sized person. For smaller back sleepers, our research showed the firmness level was rated good to fair.

Side sleepers who fall asleep on this mattress each night have great things to say for the average-sized people among us. As the sleepers decrease or increase in size, the ratings go down slightly to good to fair.

Stomach sleeper ratings for this foam mattress are incredibly similar to side sleepers. The average-sized person reported having a good experience, while smaller and larger sleepers rated a good to fair comfort level.

Leesa

Back sleepers who choose a Leesa mattress generally have an agreeable experience if they are an average weight. Some smaller-sized sleepers have critiqued it for being too firm, while larger sleepers (or couples) reported discomfort when sleeping in the middle.

Side sleepers who are smaller than average rated this mattress as fair for comfort. Similar to back sleepers, the firmness can be too much for a lower weight. However, average or larger side people found it to be satisfactory and comfortable.

Stomach sleepers who are lighter in weight have also reported a fair comfort level for this mattress. Larger people and couples rate it good to fair, while average-sized sleepers were happy with the combination of support and softness.

Purple

Back sleepers using a Purple mattress give it the highest ratings out of all sleeping positions. Our research shows an average-sized person is usually the most comfortable, while smaller and larger sleepers feel this mattress has an average comfort level.

Side sleepers looking to purchase this mattress should be aware if they are smaller than an average person. The thick polymer topper may contribute to a firmer feel, which is why average and larger sleepers are happier with this choice.

Stomach sleepers who have reviewed Purple reflect similar statistics to side sleepers. The lighter the person, the lower the ratings. Nevertheless, average sleepers and couples believe it to be good to fair.

Casper

Back sleepers using a Casper have the best experience among all positions, with a rating of good for small, average, and large-sized people.

Side sleepers who own this mattress may have some discomfort if they are larger or a couple. Due to the lower firmness rating, the Casper lacks the heavy support necessary for this high-pressure position. On the other hand, small and average people found this mattress to be adequately comfortable.

Stomach sleepers wondering whether to purchase a Casper will have a good experience if they are small or average-sized. Larger people did not feel quite as restful during use.

Which mattress is firmest?

Tuft and Needle

Relative to other foam mattress, the Tuft and Needle model is popular among sleepers who prefer a firmer feel. Reviews mention a feeling of floating or sleeping more on top, rather than sinking in—likely due to the thick support foam layer. This feature creates a higher than average pressure-point relief and makes it easy to get in and out of bed.

Leesa

The Leesa mattress offers a medium-to-firm feel and is most popular among people who sleep on their back. While it offers a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam, a handful of customers have critiqued the side support when sitting or standing on the edges. However, the comfort level foam is highly-rated for people who sleep hot and offers a soft, cooling top layer.

Purple

Similar to Leesa and Tuft and Needle, the Purple mattress has a medium-to-firm rating. What sets this model apart is the hyper-elastic polymer topper—meant to add support or cave for softness depending on the amount of pressure and weight. A benefit of this feature is that customers experience less of a sinking feeling. However, this also means not all movements are eliminated due to the lack of a foam top.

Casper

Between the four mattresses we compared, the Casper tends to be the least firm with a medium-firm to medium feel. Like other foam mattresses, this model can lack support at the edges when sitting or standing and doesn’t completely minimize movement like a memory foam mattress. However, it does provide a little spring and above-average potential for back relief.

Firmness (1-7)

How much does each mattress cost?

When comparing pricing between these four foam mattress and other available spring mattresses, we found customers were incredibly satisfied with the value of foam mattresses versus their price. Still, when considering Leesa vs. Casper vs. Tuft & Needle vs. Purple, there is a several hundred dollar difference between the lowest and highest price level. Take a look below for a breakdown of the available sizes and corresponding prices.

Price of Queen (usd)

Which mattress most loved by customers?

While these reviews reflect thousand of customer opinions, your final choice should depend on price, firmness, sleeping position, and the data we’ve outlined above. Taking that into consideration, we determined the Leesa and Purple mattress have the highest customer ratings. The Casper and Tuft & Needle are tied for second place. Here’s a quick look at the overall star ratings of each:

Customer Satisfaction (1-5)

Which is the best online mattress brand?

As mentioned above, there are a myriad of factors to consider when choosing the best foam mattress for you. Ultimately, you should try to select the one that will help you get better sleep and wake up feeling rested. If you’re in a relationship, it’s important to think of the amount of support you’ll need and your partner’s favorite sleeping position.

Are you an average-sized back sleeper who enjoys a firmer mattress? The Leesa may very well be your best pick. Prefer a not-too-soft, not-too-firm feel? Tuft and Needle is a favored choice for people who need body-contouring support and have difficulty transitioning in and out of bed. If you love collapsing into your mattress after a long day and want to stay enveloped by soft foam forever, the Casper is cozy choice. For couples with significant size and sleeping position differences, the Purple may be the perfect cushion for one and support for the other.

Another important component to think of when choosing between these four mattress is your bed frame. While all mattresses claim to be versatile for slats, adjustable beds, box springs, or the floor, it comes down to personal preference. If you lack support from a frame, you may want to think twice before purchasing a Purple or medium-firm Casper.

No matter which mattress you choose to try, remember all four come with a 100-day free trial and return policy. For more information (or comparisons between two brands), explore our other in-depth reviews. We showcase each side-by-side and dive further into customer testimonials to help you discover the best foam mattress for your style of sleep.